Cape Tribulation/Cooktown rainbow serpent rock art tour, 3 day

This is for the independent traveller who wants free time to explore & relax in both Cape Tribulation & Cooktown. You can have free day(s) depending how long you want to stay amongst the rainforest or in historic Cooktown.

Highlights & Inclusions:

4WD Air-conditioned vehicle

Friendly knowledgeable driver-guide

One of Australia’s most scenic coastal routes

World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park

1 Hour Daintree River Cruise

4WD only Bloomfield Track

Lunch at Aussie Bush Pub

Black Mountains

1 night Cape Tribulation

1 night Cooktown

Outback of Far North Queensland

Day 1 Cairns-Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation

This morning you will be collected from your accommodation. Travel north along the scenic route to Mossman, lush farmland contrasts with seascape as we approach the majestic Daintree River. A short morning tea break, then its ‘all aboard’ for an informative one hour river cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendor only the Daintree can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and wildlife, this is nature at its best! We ascend the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Experience the rainforest intimately on our elevated National Park Boardwalk. Accurate interpretations of flora and fauna will be given with ample time for photographs and questions as we search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species within this particular habitat.

A delicious barbecue lunch with freshly prepared salads is served while you have the opportunity to hand feed a kangaroo and enjoy a cold drink from the bar. Our tour does a little more. It takes us beyond Cape Tribulation along the 4WD Bloomfield Track to pristine Emmagen Creek and time for a refreshing rainforest stream swim. Seek fish and turtles in the creek, butterflies and exotic birds in the trees and indulge in a feast of tropical fruit, a complimentary glass of wine and a cup of traditional Billy Tea, all of which enhance the tranquil surroundings. At Cape Tribulation Beach there is a little time to swim in the Coral Sea (seasonal) or stroll along the beach and boardwalk to the photographers’ platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the ‘Rainforest meets the Reef’. You will be taken to your overnight accommodation at Cape Tribulation where you have the remainder of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Day 2 10.30am Cape Tribulation – Cooktown

You will be collected from your accommodation by Adventure North where your journey will continue to Cooktown – The Last Frontier of North Queensland. The 4WD -only Bloomfield Track allows you to travel through the heart of this World Heritage Listed area providing incredible glimpses of Australia hard to imagine.

Travel over rugged mountain ranges, river crossings, spot crocodiles and other Australian wildlife and fauna. We stop for lunch at the Lions Den Hotel, one of North Queensland’s oldest running Bush Pubs (est. 1875). Visit the mysterious Black Mountains steeped in Aboriginal legend before arriving mid afternoon in Cooktown. Tour of grassy hill included before being taken to your overnight accommodation. Afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Day 3 Free Day

Enjoy the day to explore Cooktown at your leisure or take the optional Aboriginal Rock Art Tour. Visit the World Class James Cook Museum, stroll along the shores of the Endeavour River. The main street has a charm and historical atmosphere, which still prevails. You can experience the unspoilt beauty of the area, which remains much the same as Cook knew it in 1770. Walking trails surround Cooktown’s Heritage and scenic rim with most attractions within easy walking distance.

This afternoon return to Cairns by the inland road, The Mulligan Highway-Far North Queensland’s Outback. Travel will be through a diverse landscape of cattle stations, The Palmer River Gold mine region. The discovery of alluvial gold in 1872 led to Queensland’s largest gold rush, Mt Carbine the northern tablelands region arriving at your accommodation approx 9.30pm

Willie Gordon, the traditional story-teller of the Nugal-warra clan, takes guests to his ancestral rock art sites. Here he shares the stories behind the art, and explains how the paintings speak of the essence of life and the lore of his people. This tour takes you through Guurrbi at rock art site a dramatic landscape to six rock art sites, including an ancestral Birth Cave and the Reconciliation Dave. (Covered closed-in shoes must be worn)

Prices

Regular Accommodation

Adult per person, twin share: $719

Adult single: $849

Child: $609

Deluxe Accommodation

Adult per person, twin share: $849

Adult single: $1099

Child: $699

Serpent Rock Art Tour

Adult: $120

Child: $75

Important Information

The tour includes an estimated 30-minute bush walk. There are short climbs to two of the sites, but generally the terrain is easy. The tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility or respiratory problems.